Damaging wind warning for the Northern Cape

THE SOUTH African Weather Service (Saws) has issued multiple warnings for damaging winds, severe thunderstorms and extremely high fire danger conditions in parts of the Northern Cape for Thursday, August 1.

The severe weather alerts issued for the Northern Cape are as follows:

Yellow level 1: Strong damaging wind resulting in difficult driving conditions, moving around of lots of debris and possible damage to informal structures are expected over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape.

Yellow level 2: Severe thunderstorms with strong damaging winds and hail are expected over Pixley ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape.

In addition, extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape.

Saws stated that the damaging winds advisory includes warnings of difficult driving conditions, loose debris blown around, localised damage to informal structures, and the risk of rapid spreading of fires.

Residents are advised to drive safely in the aforementioned areas, while high-sided vehicles (trucks) are advised to keep the speed below the limit to avoid cross-wind related accidents.

Local fire teams have also been advised to be on high alert should a veld fire break out.

The general weather report for the Northern Cape for Thursday, August 1, is as follows:

Fine in the west, otherwise partly cloudy, windy and cool with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers but cold over the southern high-ground. The wind along the coast will be fresh to strong south-easterly.

​Here’s today’s weather report for Kimberley, Northern Cape:

High: 23.9°C

Low: 6.7°C

Sunrise: 7:03am

Sunset: 5:50am

Alert: Damaging winds are expected from 9am to 6.59pm

Air Quality: Excellent